According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.” If you’re among this population and you’re planning a trip on a train, you may be wondering how you can best navigate your journey. We provide tips for this below.
Buy Your Ticket in Advance
Most train stations have the option to buy tickets online in advance. This can help prevent miscommunication at the train station in Atlanta with all the background noise. If you’re not sure how to buy a ticket online, ask a friend or relative to help you.
Know Your Route
Be sure to review your route and schedule in advance so that you feel prepared. You can even write down all the planned stops along the route so you can track how far you are from your destination.
Arrive Early
We recommend checking in for your ride early, just like you would for any other mode of travel. You can use this extra time to check for schedule changes, review posted COVID-19 safety protocols and arrange a seat where you can easily see and hear any updates.
Follow Live Departures
If you have a smartphone, not only can you use this to buy and display your ticket, but also track departures and arrivals live using the train station’s app. This way, you can see whether your train will be delayed and which platform you need to be at without having to strain to listen to alerts spoken over the PA system.
Talk to Staff
If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to any staff at the station and on the train. You can let them know about your hearing loss and where you’re going. They can then come up to you to double-check you hear any updates and ensure you don’t miss your stop.
Bring Hearing Aids & Accessories
If you wear hearing aids and own accessories, be sure to bring them along so that you’re hearing your best. If you don’t, schedule an appointment with an audiologist before your trip to get your first pair. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert, call The ENT Center of Central Georgia today.
